I think the likely answer to this question is yes, but I thought I would get a second (and third) opinion to be sure.

My group is pretty sharp -- plays Descent, WoW, SOC, etc., on a regular basis. Is it reasonable to go straight to one of the more advanced scenarios, or is a trip through the Die Zombies Die intro still a good idea? This game will likely arrive on game night and I want to air it out right away if it makes it on time. Note that I've read the rules online already.

Sag - I see no reason such a group couldn't go straight to the advanced rules. I have a similar group of gamers and we had no problems with it. We've enjoyed each game so far and haven't had any complaints from the peanut gallery...

Yes, your group shouldn't have any trouble with the advanced scenarios/rules.

I have taught the game twice and always teach the advanced rules and run one of the advanced scenarios. Players who don't even normally enjoy this style of game have had fun and there were no problems with the rules being too complicated or players feeling like they were thrown in too suddenly.

The core gameplay is essentially the same between the base game and the advanced game. The objectives are just a bit harder to acheive and there are a few more rules, and card interactions, to learn.

For our group, these additional options, just made the game that much more thematic and enjoyable.

Sagrilarus wrote:

I think the likely answer to this question is yes, but I thought I would get a second (and third) opinion to be sure.

My group is pretty sharp -- plays Descent, WoW, SOC, etc., on a regular basis. Is it reasonable to go straight to one of the more advanced scenarios, or is a trip through the Die Zombies Die intro still a good idea? This game will likely arrive on game night and I want to air it out right away if it makes it on time. Note that I've read the rules online already.

Yes, it's very dark isn't it? Almost... black. Yes, I shall need to get the black out. Black.... BLACK!!! Like The darkness of space that leads into the chasm of clams.... My eyes!! My eyes are pies..and yours are lies...

I shuffled in the advanced cards straight away. Even though my gaming group played the basic scenario first, we used all the cards. I'd had virtually no time to read the manual myself before we played, so the basic scenario was enough.

The advanced rules would be fine if you've gone through the manual a couple of times and know what's what beforehand!

We played with all the cards the first game, but skipped the optional rules about Zombie heroes and getting new heroes if you die for the first game. After that we used them all. The Advanced rules aren't that hard and you can probably pick them up during the first game. Considering how fast a game can go even if you play "wrong" aka screw up the rules you can probably still end up getting another game or two in that night anyways. So you might as well dive in and play the advanced rules first.